The doorbell rang right as I finished setting up the second controller. I glanced over my shoulder toward the hallway, wondering if she’d come out. She hadn’t said much since I mentioned the boys were coming over. She’d nodded, mumbled something about needing to change, but never really looked at me after that.

I opened the door, forcing a smile.

“Hey, man!” Emmett boomed, already pushing past me with a bag of snacks in hand. Jasper followed with his usual quiet grin, giving me a pat on the back.

“Hope we’re not too early,” Emmett added, tossing himself onto the couch like he owned it.

“Right on time,” I said, even though my eyes kept flicking toward the hallway.

I heard her footsteps before I saw her—slow, careful. She stepped into the living room in a soft oversized hoodie, arms crossed lightly over her chest. She didn’t say anything, just nodded politely toward Jasper and Emmett.

“Hey,” Jasper greeted her kindly. Emmett grinned, waving a Dorito bag at her. “We brought junk food. You want any?”

She shook her head, voice quiet. “No, thanks.”

She didn’t sit down. Didn’t come over to me either. Just stood near the edge of the room, looking like she wasn’t sure where to belong.

“You okay?” I asked gently, almost under my breath.

“I’m fine,” she said with a small smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

Emmett was already laughing at something on screen. Jasper was booting up the game. I caught her glancing at me again—just once—and then looking away. I hated that look. It wasn’t sad or angry. It was worse. It was quiet.

She turned, walking back toward the hallway without another word.

I watched her go, the soft shuffle of her steps disappearing into the bedroom.

I didn’t move.

But the guilt in my chest started to feel heavier than the controller in my hands.